Page 51 of Unexpected Adventures

“Is that all you thought about our night together?” He chokes out a strangled laugh—although it’s anything but funny. “And here I thought guys were the crass ones. And I don’t think I can suddenly start making decisions for you. I was trying to be thoughtful. Because for some insane reason, in such a short time, I’ve come to really like you, Abby. Because I care about you making it back safe and sound. Guess that doesn’t really matter now, does it?”

“Shaun, I’m sorry, last night meant more than that. I’m just upset so I’m not thinking clearly.”

“Another reason for me to take you back,” he says hastily.

Still I refuse. “You don’t have to. I can handle this.”

Just as he’s poised to argue more, Sarah and the five fur balls come through the patio door.

“Oh, hey guys. What’s up?” She must realize not all is well as her smile falters while she looks at our grim faces. The dogs follow their routine of running to their water bowls, then into another room, presumably onto their beds.

I take a step away from Shaun to say, “One of my clients had a fall and is in the hospital.”

“Oh, no! Is she okay?”

“She’s stable. I don’t know the extent of her condition. I’m going back today.”

Shaun still thinks he’s going to sway me by saying, “We’regoing back today. I don’t want her driving, being alone.”

“Good idea,” Sarah agrees. “Is there anything I can help you with?”

Only I disagree about it being a good idea. “No, and I’m going back by myself. I’ll be fine.”

“Goddammit, Abby, why are you being so hard-headed about this? Why won’t you let me help?”

His outburst shocks me but his anger only riles me more. “Because I don’tneedhelp.I’ve been doing just fine on my own up to this point, thank you very much. Maybe I am being hard-headed, but I’m not weak or incapable. I don’t need some Prince Charming riding in to save the damsel in distress, because that’s not me.”

Through clenched teeth, Shaun says, “I never once thought you weak or incapable. I…”

My impatience is getting the better of me. “Look, this is getting us nowhere. I’m sorry I can’t stroke your ego by allowing you to come to my rescue. Denise will be here any moment and I want to be ready to go.” Before I turn away I catch sight of his stricken face, and it takes everything inside of me not to try to soothe him. But dammit, I can handle this.

I stomp off and run up the stairs, more tears threatening.

I reach the room and gather my clothes, realizing I don’t have a bag to toss them into. I go into the bathroom, looking for something beneath the counter, and spot a roll of waste basket liners. As I tear one off, I hear Denise yelling for me. Just as I reenter the bedroom, she’s hurrying to me, gathering me in a tight hug.

“Abby, I’m so, so sorry about what happened to Sylvia. I’m sure she’s going to be fine.”She pulls away, thumbing the tears off my cheeks. “Hey now, it’ll be all right. Come on, let’s get your things. I’ve got your bag from my place down in my car.” She takes the plastic bag from me and starts to place my items inside as I sit down to remove the borrowed sneakers. “Hey, don’t worry about those. You can keep them on… Sherri won’t mind.”

“No, I don’t want to take them. I’ll just grab my own from your car.”

“Abbs,” she starts.

“Denise, it’s fine. I just want to go. The sooner I leave, the sooner I can get to Sylvia.”

“And what about Shaun? He didn’t look very happy when I rushed by him and Sarah.Are you two okay?”

I don’t even spare her a glance as I remove the shoes and socks, placing them by the dresser. I then grab the bag from her and begin to change back into the clothes I wore yesterday.“There is nous two.He’s here to visit his sister and I’m returning to see to a client. End of story.”

“Hey, Abby, what’s going on?” Her voice is soft, full of concern. “Yesterday, you were so looking forward to your date, and now, it’s as if you two can hardly stand the sight of one another.”

“Yeah, well, he thinks he needs to take care of me when I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.” My words are starting to sound like a broken record, even to myself… and it’s sounding pretty pathetic.

“What do you mean?”

I stare at my sister. “He wanted to drive me back. He said I shouldn’t be alone, that I shouldn’t face this mess alone. But I’m fine. I don’t need to rely on him. On anyone. And I basically told him so.”

“Oh, Abby,” she starts, shaking her head. “Silly goose. Can’t you see he cares about you and just wants to help?”

“But I don’t need help, Denise,” I pout.

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